The 6 Health Benefits of Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green coffee bean extract is taken from coffee beans that have not been roasted. The primary active compound of the extract is chlorogenic acid. Roasting coffee beans greatly reduces the amount of chlorogenic acid obtained from the coffee. Green coffee bean extract has become popular weight loss supplement after being recommended by Dr. Oz and many others, but weight loss is not its only benefit. Here are 6 health benefits of green coffee bean extract:

Antioxidant

Green coffee bean extract is a rich source of polyphenol antioxidants. Most notable of these is chlorogenic acid, a particularly powerful antioxidant that makes up as much as 50% of some green coffee extract supplements. Antioxidants fight free radical damage to the cells and DNA and oxidative stress to the body, which in turn can lower the risk of cancer, premature aging, heart disease and other illnesses and disease.

Diabetes

Chlorogenic acid is believed to slow the release of glucose in the body and may inhibit its absorption. One clinical study found that a dose of 400mg of green coffee bean extract reduced the amount of post meal glucose spikes by 32%. Research shows that chlorogenic acid may also increase insulin secretion, which also helps balance blood sugar levels.

Weight Loss

Green coffee bean extract appears to be beneficial for weight loss. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 16 overweight adults found a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index and percentage of body fat in those given the green coffee bean extract over a six week period compared to those given a placebo. The limited number of participants in this study make some health officials skeptical of its results. Another study found that patients lost an average of 17 lbs after 22 weeks on green coffee supplements. A third study found that taking 80 to 200 mg of two different varieties of the extract daily led to a modest weight loss over the course of 12 weeks. Other research suggests that green coffee bean extract and chlorogenic acid supplements may help the body to block the absorption of fat and help to boost the metabolism.

While these studies as well as loads of anecdotal evidence suggests that green coffee bean extract aids in weight loss, more in-depth studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Research suggests that green coffee extract may help to reduce blood pressure. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 177 men with hypertension found significant reductions in those given 93 mg daily and 185 mg daily compared to those given a placebo. Studies involving the effects of chlorogenic acid on blood pressure have yielded similar results. While roasted coffee can cause blood pressure spikes in hypertensive people, green coffee extract does not appear to have this effect.

Heart Health

Thanks to its blood pressure lowering benefits, chlorogenic acid may lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. The antioxidant activity of the compound may also reduce oxidative stress to the cardiovascular system, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Liver Function

Chlorogenic acid is believed to help the liver process fat. It may also help cleanse the liver of toxins. The moderate amount of caffeine found in coffee bean extract may also help stimulate urination, though it is not enough to be considered a diuretic.

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